Learning is an act of Courage—an invitation to lean into the unknown with hope and curiosity.

Teaching

My philosophy of teaching is collaborative—celebrating the valuable experience, training, and understanding each person brings to our learning communities. As co-creators of the learning space, we are all stewards of its safety.

I aim to inspire people to lean into “not knowing” and discover the beauty of curiosity. Through increasing awareness, building knowledge, and applying skills (Sue et al., 2019), we deepen understanding together.

Courses Taught

Social Work Practice for Diverse Populations
Utah Valley University

MFT Models & Foundational Theories
University of Oregon

Clinical Foundations for Working with LGBTQIA+ Communities
Utah Valley University

Marital and Family Relations
Utah State University

Life Span Development
Utah State University

Guest Lectures

Working with LGBTQIA+ Communities as an MFT

Sexual Identity Development in Adulthood

Self of the Therapist, Self Disclosure & Working with Marginalized Groups

Introduction to MFT as a Profession

Healing Sociocultural Trauma

LGBTQIA+ Relationships         

Satir Model

Decentering Heteronormativity in Family Scholarship

Cohabitation and Marriage

LGBTQ and Immigrant Families

Gender Affirming Care & Diagnosis

Presentations & Speaking Engagements

From Awareness to Action: Ethical Guidelines for Mental Health Providers Serving LGBTQIA+ Communities and the Imperative to “Do No Harm”
LGBTQ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah Ethics Conference

Inclusive Relational Therapy: Clinical Foundations for working with Non-Heteronormative Relationships
UCMHP Conference, Davis Conference Center
Co-presenter: Heather Holmgren, LMFT

401: Models of LGBTQ+ Clinical Care: Deepening Competence in Practice       
A Path Forward, LLC

Cultivating Wellness
Kiln, Provo Utah

Transformative Healing: Nurturing Transgender Mental Health and Community Resilience
A Transgender Awareness Intercampus Presentation

Sin Limites: Celebrating our Identities as LGBTQ+ Latines
Weber State University

Working with LGBTQIA+ Communities and Sexual Assault
YCC Family Crisis Center

Healing and Resilience for QTBIPOC Communities
Community Outreach Event with Unidxs

Healing and Resilience for QTBIPOC Communities
Utah Association of Marriage & Family Therapists

We Are Our Medicine: Resilience, Healing, & Hope as LGBTQIA+ People
Keynote Address for Weber State University’s Peace & Possibilities Series

Navigating Immigration and DACA Fears
Comunidades Unidos presentation

Healing and Resilience for BIPOC Students on PWIs
Graduate Students of Color Association
Utah State University

Foundations for Working with LGBTQ+ Individuals in Family Therapy
Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Co-presenters: Sami Simpson & Lisa Hansen

Ni De Aqui y Ni De Alla: Latinx Community Care and Considerations 
University of Utah LGBTQ Resource Center Emerging Student Leadership Program
Co-presenter: Gabi Merida

Know Yourself: Addressing BIPOC Mental Health Within the System of Higher Education
Expect the Great Conference
Co-panelists: Greg Noel, Juan Carlos Sansebatian

Radical Wellness: Self Care and Capitalism
University of Alaska

What People Are Saying

“This was highly informative. I appreciate the clarity of the information provided.”

— Training Attendee

“Andres encouraged class participation and helped students analyze and critique forms of thought.”

— Student

“This was an excellent intro and in-depth exploration of such important considerations with LGBTQ+ relationships.”

— Training Attendee

“Andres is awesome. They are super open to ideas, and willing to discuss them. They really care about their students and know the course material well. I would easily take another class from them.”

— Student